Australis Group Underwriting has made its Melbourne office a full branch and former underwriter Glenn Eason has rejoined the firm.

Australis CEO Gary Marshall says the company has had a Melbourne presence for a number of years with its aged care insurance operation.

“We have always been in Melbourne but we wanted a local presence in underwriting,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Glenn worked for us about five years ago and has now rejoined the company. Brokers like to deal with somebody who is local.”

Mr Marshall says the move also reflects the company’s growth in underwriting, and Mr Eason has also introduced property underwriting into the Sydney office.

“Last year we increased the business by 40% and Australis has grown incrementally during the past three years, so this is about increasing our market share.”

Australis has also appointed Frank Van Rooy as Victorian branch manager, and the office will now service brokers in Tasmania, SA and WA.

Mr Van Rooy will also remain in his underwriting principal role with Australis Care.